Why Madueke Took Chelsea’s Winning Penalty Over Gallagher Against Crystal Palace – Pochettino 

Mauricio Pochettino has revealed why Noni Madueke took Chelsea’s match-winning penalty despite the coach picking Conor Gallagher to take it.

In the 89th minute, with the score equal at one goal apiece, Chelsea was awarded a penalty, which Madueke took advantage of to win three points. Although Pochettino had assigned Gallagher to take penalties in lieu of Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling, the midfielder did not step up.

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Pochettino was asked why the Englishman was the one to step up and he told BBC Match of the Day: “It was Conor and I said to him: “It’s you but if you’re not confident enough give it Noni’. I am so glad and so happy. He came from the bench and showed this hunger and confidence.”

Madueke said he felt positive before taking the spot kick, telling Amazon Prime: “It was a stonewall penalty. I scored one earlier in the cup and I was confident with my technique [in the absence of Sterling and Palmer].”

When Chelsea visits Luton on December 30 to close out 2023, they will try to make it two wins in a row after earning three points at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.